The Crusaders' chances of winning the Super rugby competition were severely hit last season when No8 Kieran Read was unavailable for the semifinal against the Chiefs because of a rib injury.

The so-called "lesser" teams have enjoyed a habit of beating the Crusaders over the past four seasons, so it's probably a good thing that Todd Blackadder has named a strong line-up to play the Southern Kings in Christchurch tonight.

With his alcohol issues resolved, Zac Guildford's return to the Crusaders is a massive boost for a team struggling for attacking inspiration, says Patrick McKendry.

Zac Guildford says he has to earn back trust and respect after being reinstated to professional rugby by the NZRU this morning, after allegedly punching a partygoer.

There's something to be said for having a gun goal-kicker and Beauden Barrett showed exactly why that's the case at Westpac Stadium last night.

As Owen Franks prepares to go head to head in a match against his brother, Ben, for the first time, he has revealed he would have left the Crusaders in search of more game time if his elder sibling hadn't.

My phone ran hot with crowing texts and calls after the Blues' victory over the Crusaders. I guess I deserved it as, when I was put on the spot on the radio, I had to go with the Crusaders.

Super rugby is billed as a massive tri-nations provincial series. But tonight looks more like an event for sparklers rather than any whizz-bang skyrockets and trumpets flourish.

Telusa Veainu has been called into the Crusaders from the Highlanders to cover a wing shortage.

With the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises naming their squads today, APNZ looks at how each side stands heading into the 2013 season.